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Today Dan Ryan welcomes Áine O'Connor, President of the International Society of Hospitality Purchasers (ISHP) and Founder of AOC Purchasing LLC. Áine shares her extensive experience in the hospitality industry from working across the globe in project management, budgeting, and procurement. She delves into her journey to entrepreneurship, balancing work and family life, and the critical issue of human trafficking awareness within hospitality. This episode explores the importance of relationships, collaboration, and passion for quality in the built environment.

Takeaways:

• Focus on building strong, respectful, and collaborative relationships with all project stakeholders including developers, designers, contractors, and vendors.
• Regularly check in with yourself to assess stress levels and ensure you aren’t taking on more than you can handle.
• Approach every project with a solution-oriented mindset, being open to others' input and working together to overcome challenges.
• Get involved in industry organizations for networking, skill development, and potential leadership opportunities.
• Stay open to learning new processes and understanding the rationales behind certain project decisions to improve your effectiveness.
• Understand that it is okay to admit when something is too much and take steps to delegate or adjust responsibilities accordingly.
• Support initiatives and training programs that address broader social issues, such as human trafficking, to make a positive impact within the industry and beyond.

Quote of the Show: “I never don't want to work. I never don't want to be in this industry. I love it. I'm passionate about it, but it's a balance.” - Áine O’Connor

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%C3%A1ine-o-connor-5507aa4/
• Website: https://aocons.com/
• ISHP: https://ishp.info/

Shout Outs:

• International Society of Hospitality Purchasers https://ishp.info/
• The American Hotel & Lodging Association https://www.ahla.com/
• Carl Long https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-long-pmi/

Ways to Tune In:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPX
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386
• Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1s
• Amazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419
• Transistor: https://www.defininghospitality.live/